Welcome to the Nihongo Lesson feature. We strive to give you useful manga-based Japanese language tips and maybe even a glimpse into the translation process. This week’s lesson will feature terms from a very sweet chapter of Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma. This series usually focuses on savory dishes, so it was a real treat to see some dessert for a change!

BARA (ばら)

BARA means “rose.” Food Wars is well-known for its beautiful art, and last week’s chapter featured some exquisitely drawn roses. But these roses are actually made out of apples! Even the basket the BARA tarts are in is edible. And while they look too beautiful to eat, how could anyone resist? Just one bite and you’re transported to a land of dreams.

OCHAKAI (おちゃかい)

OCHAKAI means “tea party.” The OCHA part means “tea,” and it shows up a lot in manga and anime because OCHA is very popular in Japan. After eating a tart so delicious that you’re taken to a magical fairyland, what’s better than a nice cup of tea? The satisfied looks on Une and Urara say it all.

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